Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

F761 Labeling and Storing Drugs and Biologicals has again surged to the third most frequently cited deficiency nationally. This requirement is deceptively straightforward so it is curious that it has become a pitfall during surveys.

The regulation requirements are pretty simple. The facility must ensure: READ MORE

CMS puts nutrition problems in nursing homes under the microscope

As nursing homes face increased scrutiny over their food operations, the need for them to improve nutrition and food preparation for residents has never been greater. Tensions that have risen recently include increased scrutiny from regulators, the potential for food-borne illness, and resident complaints. READ MORE

WEDNESDAY! Fire and Smoke Door Inspections - 90 Minute Live Webinar

7/23/25 - 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.

Join the #ProgressParade: Celebrate, Share, and Support Residents’ Journey Through Care

AHCA/NCAL is proud to announce the start of our #ProgressParade. This new social media campaign celebrates residents and patients who reach meaningful milestones in their therapy program. It’s a powerful way to showcase the many ways that residents and patients thrive within long term care.​

The purpose of this campaign is to celebrate patients and residents. The #ProgressParade campaign will put their story front and center, highlighting milestones, resilience, and success that happens in long term care. Whether it’s a patient taking their first step post-surgery or a resident regaining their confidence through therapy, these are moments of celebration.

By sharing these uplifting stories and celebrating residents and patients, we can raise awareness for the incredible work happening in nursing homes, shift public perception, and advocate for policies that truly support those we serve. READ MORE

Share Your Story

​​​​​​​​​​​Every day, long term care residents, caregivers, family members and community members are doing extraordinary things. To showcase these effor​ts and the unique individuals in long term care, we want to hear your stories.​

• Your story could be featured on AHCA/NCAL’s social media channels and other campaigns when submitted here.
• Your story could be featured on KHCA/KCAL's social media channels and other campaigns when submitted here or tag us on your social media channels and we are happy to share!

Congratulations to Linda MowBray, President/CEO for being named a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree!

Every year, YWCA Northeast Kansas proudly celebrates bold, visionary women who are making a powerful impact in our communities—and this year is no exception.



Out of an inspiring group of nominations, 24 incredible women have been selected as our 2025 Women of Excellence Honorees!

Congratulations, Linda!

QAPI Certification & Scholarship Opportunity

During today’s NAC & Facility Standards call, Linda Farrar highlighted the QAPI Professional Certification Course offered through AHCA/NCAL. This course is a valuable resource for individuals looking to deepen their knowledge in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI).

You can find more details and register for the course by clicking the link below:

QAPI Certification Course Information

This course is also eligible for scholarship support through the Joan Hamel Scholarship, which provides funding for nurses with a matching contribution from their facility.

For information on this and other KHCA/KCAL scholarship opportunities, please visit:

KHCA/KCAL Scholarship Funds

Please share with any team members who may benefit from this opportunity!

Follow Up from Friday's NAC & Facility Standards Call

• Skilled Nursing Facility Validation Program: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

MLN Connects Newsletter: July 17, 2025 

News

• CMS Announces Resources, Flexibilities to Assist with Public Health Emergency in State of Texas
• Skilled Nursing Facilities: Revalidation Deadline Extended to January 1
• Join an Accountable Care Organization

Compliance

• Ostomy Supplies: Prevent Claim Denials

Claims, Pricers & Codes

• Core-Based Statistical Area: Revised ZIP Code Files

Publications & Multimedia

• Chronic Care Management Services — Revised
• Patients in Custody Under a Penal Authority — Revised

Get Ready for the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards

AHCA/NCAL is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 National Quality Award Program application cycle. This is a special year, as 2026 marks the Program’s 30th anniversary! Don’t miss your chance to join your peers on this quality journey as we celebrate three decades of excellence. READ MORE

REMINDER! 2025 Staff Recognition Program: Now is the time to nominate your staff and volunteers!

This is your opportunity to recognize the outstanding staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to caring for the elders of our great state. Our annual awards ceremony is just one way we celebrate the compassion, commitment, and excellence they bring to their work every day. We deeply appreciate the time you take out of your busy schedule to submit a nomination—your effort helps shine a light on those who truly make a difference.



Winners will be honored at our Annual Convention and Trade Show on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, August 13th (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

Save the date for the 75th Annual Convention & Trade Show! 

More info coming soon! Please note the Tuesday-Thursday dates. (A change from the normal Wednesday-Friday)

🎉 Join us for the 75th Annual KHCA/KCAL Convention & Trade Show!

📍 Kansas Star Event Center

🗓 September 16–18, 2025

We’re excited to celebrate 75 years of excellence in long-term care! The KHCA/KCAL Annual Convention and Trade Show is packed with valuable education, networking, recognition events, and a full day dedicated to vendors in the industry.

Click here to learn more.

RAC-CT Certification Virtual Workshop

8/12/25 - 10:00AM - 4:30PM

Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the MDS, the regulations surrounding the RAI/MDS process, and managing the PDPM by attending an AAPACN Resident Assessment Coordinator-Certified (RAC-CT) certification workshop. Having the RAC-CT credential behind your name shows you are a knowledgeable and capable MDS professional. RAC-CT certification is the nationally recognized gold-standard in resident assessment in the long-term care nursing profession. By earning this credential, individuals have shown their expertise in skilled nursing facility prospective payment system and minimum data set (MDS 3.0) assessment.

Click here for more details.

Scholarship opportunity: The individual or facility will cover the full cost upfront, and KHCA will reimburse 50% upon successful course completion. Submit your application here.

Webinar: AD/SSD Documentation.. It's More Than Checking Boxes

8/5/25 - 2:00PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Engaging Youth in Long Term Care: Part 1

FREE for members!

8/6/25 - 1:00PM - 2:00PM

Click here for more details.

Assisted Living & Home Plus Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Look at FCS/NSA and HSP

8/7/25 - 9:30AM - 2:00PM

Click here for more details.

RAC-CT Certification Virtual Workshop

8/12/25 - 10:00AM - 4:30PM

Click here for more details.

Webinar: F695 – Respiratory-Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning

8/12/25 - 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.

Webinar: Policies and Procedures

8/19/25 - 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.

DON Boot Camp

SAVE THE DATES!

11/10/25 - 11/12/25

Olathe, KS

Administrator in Training (AIT) Program

Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.



Questions? Email Teresa Keating at tkeating@khca.org